The Movie

Chapter 11

“Hey, kid, did you and Luke have dinner yet?” Reid walked into his home to find Ethan sitting in front of the TV watching one of the hundred vampire-related programs that always seemed to be airing.

“I had dinner. Luke decided to wait and eat with you. I think he’s in his office reading something Noah gave him.”

“How did you do on the project you handed in? Weren’t you supposed to get the grade today?” Reid still couldn’t believe just how much he’d taken to parenting.

“I got a B-plus.” Ethan stuck his fist in the air for Reid to pound it. He did it to appease the kid, but thought it was ridiculous. Whatever happened to the high-five?

“Nice job.”

“I’m on my way to that new guitar.”

“Only if you keep up the good work.”

“I will, don’t worry.”

Reid smiled at his son. “I don’t worry about you -- much.”

“Cool.” Ethan refocused on the show as a dark predator was about to dig his teeth in some pretty blonde’s neck. So predictable.

As he left the room to find Luke so they could have dinner, Reid thought again about how he saw his connection with Ethan. The boy was no longer his brother-in-law; he was his son in every way that was important. Although Luke was also Ethan’s guardian, the two had a much different relationship.

Opening the door to their shared office, Reid saw Luke reading the new script. “I gather it’s not too bad if you haven’t thrown it across the room.”

“I know you’ve already read it. You read everything quickly, and remember it perfectly.”

“Noah developed an excellent tribute to your parents’ memory. But, then again, your original manuscript had already done that.”

“The rest is pretty good too.” Luke placed the script on his desk.

“The rest is better than pretty good. Mr. Mayer actually makes it damn clear just how giving a person you are.”

Blushing, Luke lowered his head. “He may have gone a bit overboard.”

“He didn’t even touch on the half of it. Don’t sell yourself short.”

“I think you’re pretty biased.”

“Damn right, I am! Now let’s go eat. There’s something else we need to talk about.”

“Oh really? Should I be nervous?”

“That’s a good question, and one I’m not sure I can answer.”

“You’re being awfully cryptic. Care to give me a hint?”

“The only thing I want to give you right now is this.” Reid planted a big wet kiss on Luke. Rather than it being a simple greeting, things escalated and the pair soon had their arms wrapped around each other.

After a few more kisses, Luke moaned as Reid pressed his tongue past his partner’s lips. Reid cradled Luke’s head in his hands, holding him close, unwilling to part.

Soon, Luke pulled back, panting. “If you want dinner we’d better stop, or I’m going to lock the door, drop to my knees, and suck you off right here... with Ethan just a couple of rooms away.”

Chuckling, Reid caught his breath. “I guess we’d better take up where we left off after the kid gets bedded down for the night.”

“I know it must get in the way to have Ethan with us all the time. I mean, I know you never really expected to have him in our lives full time.”

Reid furrowed his brow. “What makes you say that? I may not say it often enough, but I love that kid. Ethan’s my son, and I never expected to have one. My only regret is that, to have him in our lives, we had to lose your mom and dad.”

Squeezing Reid’s hand, Luke guided the two of them out of the office toward the kitchen.

It was a given that Luke was an incredible caregiver and lover. It was obvious he would make an amazing parent if ever truly given the chance. Reid just wished he had enough faith in his own ability to take care of a baby. So much different to looking after a kid Ethan’s age, who had not been a new born when they took him in.

 

*~*~*~*~*
 

“For someone who could barely boil an egg when we first moved in together, you’ve really gotten to be quite the chef.” Reid didn’t know why he felt the need to butter up Luke. After all, he wasn’t even convinced anything Katie said was a good idea.

“Reid, you’re acting awfully strange. I’ve been cooking well enough to feed the three of us for a long time now. Are you hinting that I’m becoming too domestic? Does it bother you?”

Pinching the bridge of his nose, Reid realized he was playing this all wrong. “No. I’m thrilled that you’re willing to take on most of these kinds of duties, especially with my crazy hours at work.”

Luke nodded. “Okay.” Putting down his fork, Luke looked directly at Reid. “Please tell me what’s wrong. You’ve been in a strange mood ever since you got home tonight and I’m beginning to get nervous. This isn’t the gay version of the seven year itch, is it?”

Now Reid knew he’d better speak up. He was clearly sending the worst and most inaccurate messages possible. “Of course not. I told you, you’re stuck with me for the duration, and I meant it!”

“Good. You were beginning to freak me out a little. What’s with all the babbling? It’s obvious there’s something you’re trying not to tell me.”

Swallowing his last mouthful of food, Reid took a sip of water and then a deep breath. “Katie’s pregnant.”

“That’s great... isn’t it? I mean, it is Chris’, isn’t it?”

Reid snorted. “Yes, it’s Chris’. Turns out she was pregnant before she wanted to be, but now that Chris has stepped up to the plate, she’s over the moon.”

“Oh, good. You had me worried. Remember, this is Oakdale. Paternity is never assumed.” Luke pointed to his chest. “I can be your first case in point.”

Laughing, Reid nodded. “Point taken.”

“Why do I get the feeling that wasn’t all you wanted to tell me?”

“Because you’re almost as smart as I am, and you’re definitely better at reading people.”

“Thank you for what I think was your version of a compliment. Now, how about elaborating? What’s up?”

“You’re a great parent, as well as a big brother to Ethan.”

“Thank you, again.” Luke covered Reid’s hand with his own and squeezed. “Tell me.”

“I’ve been lucky, well, more than lucky, to have fallen into parenthood. I never expected to get the chance to be a father, but now that I am one, it’s not bad.”

Gazing at Reid, Luke remained silent waiting for him to continue.

“Don’t you want to get the chance to be a real parent? You take care of everyone. You’d be incredible.”

Blinking, Luke picked up his glass of water with his free hand and took a sip, still holding Reid’s hand. After putting the glass down, he looked into Reid’s eyes. “Are you asking if I want to have a baby?”

Unable to speak, Reid nodded.

“Is this your idea or Katie’s?”

“It was Katie’s, but the more I’ve been thinking about, it makes sense.”

“For us?”

“Shit! You hate the idea. I should never have listened to Katie or tried to guess what you really want. I still have lousy people skills.”

“Wait, don’t jump to any more conclusions. I’m just shocked. The last thing I ever expected to discuss with you was raising children. You’ve always seemed completely wrapped up in your work... and me.” Luke blushed. “I was grateful you had enough room in your heart to fit Ethan into the picture.”

“I may have a little space left -- but only if it’s what you want too. I’m thrilled with my life with you and Ethan. However, I’m willing to think about adding a fourth if you want to be a father too. You’d make a great parent. Let’s face it, you already do; you just don’t get the correct billing in the credits.”

“Wow. You never cease to amaze me, Dr. Oliver.”

“So, what do you say? Are you interested in figuring out how to have another kid?”

“How about we get the one we already have to bed, then you and I can mull this over while we enjoy an evening that I guarantee will not include children?”

“I like the way you think, Mr. Snyder.”

“You always do.”

Reid couldn’t wipe the smile off his face as he and Luke cleared the table and hustled Ethan to his room for the night. Although he wasn’t sure whether they would have another rugrat in their little family, he’d make the most of Luke’s good mood for merely suggesting it. The rest, he’d think about later.

[TBC]

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